Yakuoji is the No. 23 temple of the Shikoku pilgrimage. There are steps called yakuzaka, where some pilgrims place \1 coins on each step to exorcize evil spirits. At the top of the steps, the main temple area, it is said that there is the Buddha of Healing known as a hidden Buddhist statue, which is sitting with his back facing us. Miraculous water containing radium is gushing from under the small hall called haidaishi. This water is said to be effective for lung disease. There are many things still being unknown.

It is said that Hiwasa Hizennokami built the earthwork fortification on the castle hill (height: 72m) in order to prevent the entrance of Chosokabe Motochika from Tosa Domain (Kochi Prefecture). However, in 1585, Hiwasa castle was closed when Hachisuka Iemasa entered Awa Province (Tokushima Prefecture). In September, 1978, it was rebuilt as the keep.

Ohama beach is famous as an area where sea turtles come to lay their eggs, which has been designated a natural monument in Japan (also in Tokushima prefecture). In addition, this beach has been selected as one of Japan’s 100 most beautiful beaches. During wintertime (October to February), one also can see the sunrise mirage of an astronomical object, called daruma asahi.

During the Meiji and Taisho eras, this area had a large amount of sea traffic and steamships anchored off Ohama beach. There is a shrine called Namikiri Fudo at this hill, which is said to calm the sea waves down. Lovers visited here to pray for safety and to promise to meet again, and waved to steamships disappearing into the sea from this hill. Accordingly, it is said that the wishes of lover come true and a lot of lovers visit this hill.

Ebisudo is a sea cave formed by the wave action of the sea and it is the biggest cave in Tokushima prefecture. (width: 32m height: 31m) You will be impressed with the sound of waves. When the sea rages, the waves get through this cave.

Poppo Marine is the complex facility with JR Yuki station. Unique productions of a seaside town have entertained visiting customers. There is a live fish water tank for touching fish, which has been very popular among children. Also, there is an exhibition and spot sale of local products at the product shop. On 2F, the materials about the Naval Battle of Awa Coast and Tai ruins are exhibited.

●Open:8:00-18:00 ●Tel: +81(0) 884-78-2323
●Closed: Tuesday (if a Tuesday is a national holiday, then the next day)

Tai ruins

Remarkable are stone tools and accessories made of various stones. It turned out that those were made of stone material suitable to each one in using them For example, Headarrows were made of sanukaites and charts, necklaces were of smooth stones.

The replicas of stone tools and accessories are exhibited on the second floor of Poppo marine..

There is Shiofuki observatory on the way from Yuki to Abu. The sight that water is spouted to tens of meters from Shiofuki rock is inspiring.

【Contact】

●Address: Yuki, Minami-cho, Kaifu-gun, Tokushima【MAP】

Naval Battle of Awa Coast Park

On January 4th, 1868 (keio 4), the day the battle of Toba and Fushimi began in Kyoto, the government warship “Kaiyo Maru” and Satsuma warship “Kasuga Maru” had the first western-style naval battle in Japan off Yuki coast. At Poppo Marine (museum in Yuki), some articles are still kept today.

【Contact】

●Address: Yuki, Minami-cho, Kaifu-gun, Tokushima【MAP】

Activities Hiwasa/Yuki Area

Tainohama Beach

Tainohama Beach has 1.5km continuous sands, which is part of Muroto Anan Coast National Park. The beach is known as a place of scenic spots, and it has been selected as Japan’s 100 most excellent bathing places and also as one of the eight views of Awa (Tokushima prefecture). Families accompanied by children can feel safe playing and swimming owing to a shallow sea. JR Tainohama station, the provisional station, is only operated from late July to mid-August. On getting off the train, the sand beach spreads out in front of you.

Umigame Marine Cruise is a fishing boat cruise with a fisherman, approximately 13km course for 40 minutes. The guide explains the traditions and folktales related to Hiwasa area. You will be attracted to the force of the open ocean.

There is no TV and no vending machine. There is only nature! Once you come, you will be taken in by the charm of this place. You may be able to see the street performance of “Kappa no Gen-san” who is a famous person in Hiwasa.